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Caregiver initiative will ultimately cost people it seeks to help

Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric of Initiative 1029, a measure designed to dramatically increase training requirements for all home and community-based caregivers. Before signing on to this ill-conceived initiative, we all need to ask the tough question: Is this good public policy or simply an effort to thwart the legislative process?

With an initial cost to taxpayers of over $74 million annually, this is an extremely costly proposition. Even more concerning is the fact that I-1029 will drive up costs for people who pay for their own care. Finally, there is no conclusive evidence that the additional training is necessary.

Please note that the state’s Long Term Care Training Task Force and the Legislature did not support a 75-hour training requirement. There were concerned about additional taxpayer expense. However, they were prepared to pass a bill that would have increased basic training requirements from 28 to 35 hours with opportunities for additional training and a voluntary career ladder that included certification.

Despite strong legislative support for this measure, the bill died because SEIU opposition prevented the bill from being voted on for final passage.

Rather than sign onto an expensive, ill-conceived initiative, I’d encourage you to say no. It’s the wrong public policy for all the wrong reasons.

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